An intense film that flirts with greatness but is ultimately dragged down by too many melodramatic moments. Djimon Housou and Anthony Hopkins were fantastic in their roles and stole every scene they were in (which thankfully were the majority of them). The rest of the actors did admirably except Morgan Freeman who didn't really seem to fit. It's a long one but worth the time invested.

Just as Spielberg followed Jurassic Park (very soon) with Schindler's List, he follows the Jurassic Park sequel (equally soon) with something to do with the African slave trade: these would be the Good Works that counterbalance the Money Lust. The courtroom arena dictates that the Big Issues will be hashed out, the Big Points spelled out, in talk, talk, talk. And for doubters, or dolts, who require more tangible evidence of the unpleasantness of slavery, there will be a fifteen-minute flashback

Moving work from Spielberg wit a great ensemble. Goes on for a little too long, but otherwise, very underrated work here. Direction is breathtaking.

"...gives Steven Spielberg an opportunity to demonstrate his mastery of the cinematic arts."

Give us our free!

It is E.T. for black people. The favourite Spielberg's theme - the lack of communication - is here, but in much boring context. Two striking scenes throughout the movie: the iconic one - Hounsou stabbing the Spanish captain to death under the rain; and the idiotic one - Hounsou shouting in rotten English for his freedom accompanied by the most embarrassing score in John Williams' history. The fascination by the New Testament story was a nice touch though, ha-ha.